Invasion Stripes: Fl-19, F6F, MK-I
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Hi All,
A contribution to the FL-19 mini group build...”Invasion Stripes”.
F6F, MK-I, Hellcat
E-L JV131
800 Squadron FAA
HMS Emperor, September, 1944
Along with keeping to the group build parameters, I had two more personal objectives with this build:
Build something different than the “normal D-Day” aircraft that wore invasion stripes and build something from my ever growing stash. The F6F Hellcat fit the bill. (Plus an added bonus objective, a Hellcat in something different than the ordinary USN blue colors)
Mainly an out of the box Eduard build.
Except, to build a wings folded Hellcat, I used the Hobby Boss inner and outer wings by mating the inner wing sections to the Eduard fuselage. This was a fairly easy kit-bash and I was pleased with the results. AND...two kits of the stash pile!
I also tweaked the antennas to a MK.I arrangement.
Thanks for stopping by. As always...KEEP IT FUN!
Kits:
Eduard, 1/48, F6F-3 Hellcat, No.8221 (Not the Wings)
Hobby Boss, F6F-5 Hellcat, No. 80339 (Wings only)
Decals:
TECHMOD, 1/48, HELLCAT MK I, No. 48065
JV131, 800 Squadron FAA, HMS Emperor, Sept 1944
Paints:
Mr. Surfacer 1500 Gray used for primer
Mr. Surfacer 1500 Black and 1200 White used for Invasion Stripes
AK Real Colors, RC023 Olive Drab
AK Real Colors, RC024 Olive Drab Faded
AK Real Colors, RC244 Medium Gunship Grey
AK Real Colors, RC290 RAF Sky mixed with RC322 RLM 76 Late War
Accented/weathered with lighter colors of the main colors, and Artist oils washes and dry brushed highlights.
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- 1. HOBBY BOSS WINGS PRIOR TO MOD
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- 1. HOBBY BOSS INNER WING, MID SECTION REMOVED, NOT USED
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- 1. EDUARD INNER WINGS CUT AND SANDED SMOOTH TO FUSELAGE AS BACKUP MATERIAL FOR FILLER
- 2. STYRENE FLANGES TO FIT IN HOBBY BOSS WINGS. (UPPER AND LOWER).
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- 1. AVES PUTTY FOR FILLER
gary sausmikat (@gwskat)
Now I can see myself eventually making one just like this. As usual, you nailed it. Looks great !
Thanks, Louis!
That is a lovely Hellcat! I also want to do one soon in those Brit colors. Your paintwork is excellent.
Thanks, Greg!
A very nice build, Gary.
Thanks, Rafi
That's a fine looking Hellcat, Gary @gwskat
The camouflage painting and stripes do look really good on it.
Well done.
Thank you, John.
I really like this, Gary. You captured the weathered look of a Hellcat, beautifully. That’s a really subtle finish. It says a lot for your craftsmanship that you seamlessly carried out a ‘kit bash’ to such stunning effect.
Thanks, Paul
Absolutely luxuriously built. I like it very much.
Thank you, Milan